Sunday, 4 March 2018

Why I Can't Call Myself A Fashion Blogger

I've always preferred the label 'style blogger' over 'fashion blogger'. I'm not an expert in fashion, I don't wear any designer labels and I don't feel like I have the authority to advise anyone on how to wear something - all I can do is show what I like wearing and how I'd wear it and that's what I've always done. I'm also not necessarily the most fashionable person, I just wear what I like - I'm a big advocate of personal style and the whole 'you do you' thing so I accept that some people will like what I wear and others won't. To me, a fashion blogger is someone like Victoria from In The Frow who can bring real knowledge to the table (I mean she has an actual PHD in fashion), but me? I just buy clothes I like from Asos and Primark and then tell you lovely lot about them.

My love of personal style is the main reason I have never classed myself as a fashion blogger, but when I first thought about this post and looked through these pictures I realised there are plenty of other (slightly silly) reasons too so I thought seeing as I usually get all heavy on you, I'd make this post a little lighthearted and tell you why I not only don't, but can't call myself a fashion blogger.

I take outfit photos with makeup running down my face | On the day these pictures were shot it was very cold and also very windy. My hands, feet and the end of my nose went numb. My eyes watered like billio, which meant that when it came to looking back on these photos I had to edit out some rather hefty black smears I had running down my face. I mean, I love a dramatic outfit shot, but looking like I've just been bawling my eyes out dramatic isn't quite the vibe I was going for. Most of the black streaks are gone from these pictures, but look closely at my eyes and it looks like I have a bad case of hayfever. Realisation: so this is why fashion bloggers always wear sunglasses.

I always forget to accessorise | It's not that I don't own jewellery, it's just the one thing I always forget before I leave the house. Then there's the fact that I use the same bag in pretty much every outfit post because it's the one I use every day and has all my stuff in so it's just convenient (and a v true reflection of what I actually wear I suppose). The same can be said for the earrings, if I'm not wearing studs I'm usually wearing these so I do apologise if you came here for accessories inspo, you ain't getting it.

I can't pose | Seriously, any pictures where it looks like I'm doing a real badass blogger pose, it's just the actual face I was pulling at that moment and the camera has just happened to catch it. I shot these pictures with the gorgeous Violet and I also shot some of her and man she is an absolute QUEEN when it comes to posing, like she seriously rocks it. (*secretly hopes she will read this and give me a posting masterclass*).

I don't always wear 'fashionable' outfits | I like to make an effort when I'm going to work or out for the day, but if I'm in the house at the weekend and all I'm doing is popping to the supermarket? I literally don't even think about what goes together, I just grab the comfiest clothes in my wardrobe, pop on some trainers and scrape my hair back and I'm good to go (and I definitely don't look anything like this).

Sometimes I'm covered in cat hair and I have pulls in all my jumpers | Seriously, having cats means I can't be a fashion blogger. Every time I buy a new jumper Nick says 'oh excellent, another thing for the cats to rip apart'. The nicer ones I try and change in to literally moments before leaving the house, but just stroking them goodbye can result in a pulled thread. And however much you lint roller yourself, you can never get rid of all the hair *remembers the awkward moment I crossed my legs in a work meeting and noticed the ginger hairs stuck to my black tights* #professional.

36 comments

I totally relate to this post! I advertise myself as a fashion blogger yet most of the week I'm at uni in my netball gear, and like you I am the worst at accessorising and posing! I just enjoy playing about with fashion the best I can. xx

Ahhh I totally relate, but for what its worth I always love your style posts! I feel like I could never be a fashion blogger because I'm not up to date on whats out there, I don't think I've even been in a clothes shop this year! xx

Oh my gosh I can so relate about having cats! It drives me mad when they try to get their claws near my nice clothes! I always end up changing into something super comfy when I get home so they don't ruin anything nice lol. I get a bit bored sometimes of only seeing the super glossy blogs and love to see and read something else :) x

Haha this was a fun read and I can relate having zero designer clothes and being all about comfort. But how you put outfits together is very much your own personal style and that's why I find myself most inspired my style blog posts day to day. Plus the clothes I wear in the house are 100% crimes against fashion haha! X

As always, this was a very thought provoking post, Amy! It's really interesting for me to read something like this from your perspective, because to me, you seem like the consummate fashion blogger! I've actually shown your photos to people who I've asked to act as photographer for me in the past because I think they're excellent and I definitely think you can pose - you look so natural in front of the camera! I feel you on the makeup thing too, for my last few shoots I've ditched makeup entirely and have gone barefaced! It certainly makes me worry less about smudged lipstick / running mascara haha! Whether you choose to call yourself a fashion blogger or a style blogger, you do it brilliantly!

I started posting more fashion posts on my blog, but it's a struggle to take outfit photos. I can't pose to save my life, my fiance (the photographer) always laughs at me for my awkward face and poses haha.

Funny post! I would love to make outfit posts but the boyfriend struggles to take the pictures and I can't pose. I always forget to accessorise too! I've bought some more jewellery recently and I haven't worn any of it lol. xx

Girl I loved this post so much! I absolutely DO think you're a fashion blogger - because being a fashion blogger is showcasing what you love and what you wear (I personally think you alway look BANGING!). I completely see your point though love; in this industry it's hard to feel like you're inspiring people, but I believe that by being yourself you're always inspiring others! <3

Oh, i think you can definitely call yourself a fashion blogger Amy! It's all about sharing a totally authentic and unique take on whatever you like/dislike about fashion at the end of the day, and you totally do that :) Really fun post to read through nevertheless!! Hope you're having a lovely week so far...

And yes on the fashion/style blogger thing. I think of myself as a style blogger as while I love clothes and accessories I don't really know that much about fashion or research the history, trends, and all the 'next big things' that come along with fashion. I see fashion bloggers as people who dress up to pose for photos and plan out locations and outfit changes and 'stories' with their posts, I'm just a style blogger who snaps what I'm wearing before I go out for the day, haha!

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend to end your week! We have family visiting so it will be a busy but fun weekend :)

This post was so fun to read! I can definitely relate to many of the things you said. I really like your fashion posts, I feel like it's more personal and achievable. I love fashion, but as a student I just don't wear some of the things/can't afford some of the things I see on many fashion bloggers. Thanks for sharing!